Fix cracked / broken path.

54and56

Hi all,

The slight lip between the road and my driveway is broken and it seems to be where the wheels of cars coming in and out drive.

It's not a big deal but doesn't look great and the jagged edge where the concrete has broken away can't be good for the tyres.

Is there a pragmatic way to fix this? It looks like the area just above the currently missing piece was repaired in a similar fashion years ago before we moved in. Is there a pre mix type concrete product I could apply and shape easily enough so it would "repair" the missing piece?

10-10-20

For repairs of that depth, there aren't many options other than a full concrete repair.

First remove that loose piece in the middle, clean the whole section out well, spray it with a hose to remove any dust/soil and don't leave any pools of water. I'd then hammer in a straight piece of wood to create the edge between the repair at the top and the straight section lower down. That will keep the line straight and help visually.

https://www.mcmahons.ie/jetcem-rapid-set-cement-6kg

https://www.goodwins.ie/products/gravel-mix-25kg-bag.html

Then make up a cement primer by mixing some water and cement into a cup so that you have a grey runny soup. Paint this into the area to be filled and allow it to overlap the surrounding area somewhat. You only want to leave this for <10 mins between applying it and getting the concrete into it.

Then make up a mix of concrete using some washed sand and gravel (it should be pre-washed and now dry). Any large stones can be chucked out at this stage. You need gravel for strength. The ratio should be about 1:2:2 (cement, sand, gravel) or 1:4 for mixed sand/gravel for a small patch like this. Use cups to measure it and make-up slightly more than you think you'll need. Mix it all very well while dry, then add in small amounts of water until you have a thick mix which will allow the mixing spoon/trowel to stand up in it - it should not be watery or move much if you shake the mix. Once the water is added, you have about 15 mins to work with the product until it sets, so work quickly.

Work the mix into the patch well, pushing it into the existing concrete. Any large stones can be chucked out. Flatten it off well and build-up any dips as needed. Leave it for ~10 mins and then go back and give the upper edge near the road a rounded "nose" to match the nose on the existing concrete and give it all a rub with a damp paintbrush to blend in the new patch with the old concrete. Don't disturb the main body of the patch while nosing it - do it gently. Let the concrete "go off" - if you use the Jetcem it all happens in ~30 mins. Cover the concrete with a damp towel and leave it overnight (probably not needed on a cooler/damper day). Remove the wood the next day by tapping it lightly to break the bond with the concrete. You should be good to go then.

54and56

That's amazing advice, thanks very much.